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Need a New Water Heater? Make an Informed Decision

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 10:10 PM

Most water heaters last for about 10 years, give or take. If yours is on its last legs, you have a difficult choice to make: what kind of water heater should you get to replace it? You’re about to invest a lot of money into this appliance, so you need to make sure you make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come.

You have a multitude of options, and the best way to find the perfect water heater is to consult with a professional. However, you can get started by learning the basics before you call the plumber. This blog will cover the main types of water heaters.

While there are many types of water heaters, including newer versions that run on solar or geothermal power, you have three main options: conventional, tankless, and hybrid water heaters. All have their advantages and disadvantages, so which option is best for you depends on your needs and preferences.

1. Conventional Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters have a large tank that they store water in at a constant high temperature. Since these have been the standard choice, or the only choice for many homeowners, for a long time, chances are that you may already have one of these in your home.

The main advantage of this type of water heater is that it isn’t as expensive as many others. If you get a conventional heater, you won’t have to spend as much money upfront, which may seal the deal for you, depending on your budget.

However, these water heaters aren’t as energy efficient as other options. Because they store water and constantly heat it, they use energy whether or not you’re using hot water or are even in the house. If you care about lower utility bills and caring for the environment, this may not be the best choice.

2. Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are in many ways the opposite of conventional heaters. Instead of storing water, they only do their work when you turn on the hot water: they heat water on its way to your faucet. Consequently, they’re about 8 to 34 percent more energy efficient than conventional water heaters.

However, these heaters can only work so fast: if you try to take a hot shower while running the dishwasher and running a load in the laundry, the hot water supply may not cover everything. If you live alone or with just a couple people, this may not matter—but if you have a large family, you may face battles for hot water with your loved ones.

Additionally, these appliances require a more substantial investment upfront to purchase and install. Some people find the cost prohibitive.

3. Heat Pump or Hybrid Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are even more energy efficient than tankless water heaters. Instead of burning gas or electricity to heat water, they simply move heat from the air outside into the water, which takes much less energy. Many of these water heaters are hybrids, meaning they both use the heat pump mechanism to move heat and use electricity as a supplement to heat some water.

However, because these water heaters primarily rely on moving heat from the outside world into the water to heat it, they only work well if the environment they’re in is fairly warm. If you put these heaters in a cold place in your home, they won’t be able to do their work very well.

These appliances are very effective: they can deliver hot water up to 33 percent quicker than conventional water heaters. However, like tankless water heaters, they are more expensive to buy and install.

To make a wise choice on your next water heater, consult with an expert. Call Adept Plumbing at (858) 551-0114. We can help you make an informed decision and install your new water heater with precision and expertise. Get in touch with us today to get started.